2012-12-01: Sombrero Peak Hike (Trip Complete!)

[BorregoWrangler]

I would like to get out again for a hike that I did back in June. On my last hike out from McCain Valley to Sombrero Peak I ended up bypassing my intended destination and wound up a bit North of the peak. So this time around I'm planning on doing it right.

http://www.everytrail.com/view_trip.php?trip_id=1434089

I would like to get an early start on this Saturday morning. The trail head is Cottonwood Campground off McCain Valley Road, 12.7 miles northwest of intersection with Old Highway 80. This hike isn't as tough as the one out to Goat Canyon, but there is a bit of boulder scrambling up to the peak summit.

Date: December 1st, 2012
Meeting Time: 6:00AM
Meeting Location: Alpine?

Distance: 9.0 miles round trip
Elevation gain/loss: 1300'/1300'
Hiking Time: 6 Hours
Difficulty: Moderate
Trail Head: Cottonwood Campground

Directions:
From Interstate 8, take the 94/Boulevard exit (Ribbonwood Rd).
Proceed south to the first stop sign.
Turn left/east on Old Highway 80.
After approximately 2 miles, turn left on McCain Valley Road.
Follow McCain Valley Road 12.7 miles north to Cottonwood Campground (on the right).

[THATSALEXUS?]

I'm gonna be on Catalina ziplining that day

I may be up for the following Saturday though, have to check with my girl...

[BorregoWrangler]

I'm gonna be on Catalina ziplining that day

I may be up for the following Saturday though, have to check with my girl...

Sounds like fun! No worries. Another hike I'd like to do is an overnighter from Alma Wash to Starfish Cove. The trail head for that is off Split Mountain Road, along the Elephant Trees Discovery Trail. January might be a good month for that one.

[SD07NISMO]

Sounds like a fun hike! I'm interested in heading out with you, but do you think that 6 hours is a reasonable estimate given the terrain? I've only hiked out that way once and without a trail it was pretty slow going.

[BorregoWrangler]

Sounds like a fun hike! I'm interested in heading out with you, but do you think that 6 hours is a reasonable estimate given the terrain? I've only hiked out that way once and without a trail it was pretty slow going.

That's the time listed in my guide book. Last time I was out there I think it took me a bit longer than that, but I ended up taking a longer route through tougher terrain and in warmer weather. Up until the last mile or so to the peak, there is a trail to follow.

I'd like to get an early start but let me know what time is good for you and we can figure out where to meet.

[SD07NISMO]

We can meet at 6, just let me know where in Alpine.

[BorregoWrangler]

We can meet at 6, just let me know where in Alpine.

How about the Carls Jr right off the freeway? Here's the address:

1263 Tavern Rd, Alpine, CA 91901

See you there!

[SD07NISMO]

Sounds good, I'll be in a silver Nissan frontier. Hope it won't be too wet out there tomorrow.

[THATSALEXUS?]

Hey John, I ended up rescheduling my Catalina trip due to the weather. You guys meet me at my house in the morning and we can ride out together and split the gas. I'll call you in the morning...

[SD07NISMO]

I'll still meet you in alpine